Chapters

Everyone goes through different chapters in their lives, through chapters of grief and through times of great favor or blessing. Each chapter, when you look back, was just a portion of your life and each one serves a purpose. For example, the languages and cultures to which I (Steve) was introduced as a child have taught me something that widened my view of the world. Also, when one grandfather passed away, I learned to appreciate my time with the other while he was still alive. Even today, our experiences in life are teaching us.

Over the last two years serving with Wycliffe, we have been learning. Bridget and I have struggled and celebrated. We continue to celebrate the life of Anne, knowing how God’s provision brought her into our lives. We struggle, and in ways may always struggle, with the two losses we experienced before the joy and blessing of Anne’s birth.  Our story is not unique, but it is very personal and we don’t share it lightly.  

 
     We recognize the need for growth, both personally and as a family. At the same time, Wycliffe allows us two years to develop our partnership team and we were unable to do that. We feel we must step away from Wycliffe for a time.  And yet, it is our desire to return to this ministry someday in the future , as God leads, after this time of  intentional development.

 

I do not think we have the words to express to you what it means to us to know you believe in us and this work for which we still feel a calling. Your partnership with us has been an encouraging blessing. I am certain we would not have come as far as we have without your prayers. We do not have a way to thank you that seems adequate. We appreciate each and every one of your influences in our lives.

As we move into the next chapter of our lives, we choose to continue to support those who do not yet have the Bible in their language and those working along side them. We have decided to partner with colleagues and friends in Wycliffe, Paul and Christy Dubois. We invite you to consider joining us in partnering with them. 

With heavy hearts, we humbly thank you,

Steve, Bridget and Anne

Days of preparation are not lost days.

                                                  - Pastor Lance Nothstine

Message From Bob Creson

A Message from Bob Creson Francisco Diaz is one of my heroes. He was the young Cakchiquel believer who worked with Cameron Townsend, Founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators, when he first went to Guatemala to distribute Spanish Bibles and tracts. When he met the young Townsend in late 1917, he’d only been a Christian for a few months, but he willingly spent a year with him, traveling through four Central American countries, sharing the good news. It was Francisco who sparked Townsend's vision for Bible translation. Hugh Steven tells this story: “One night camped out on a cold mountain ridge in Guatemala, a young twenty-two-year-old Cameron Townsend sensed a call by God that would change the entire direction of his life. With Cam on that ridge was his Cakchiquel colporteur companion and friend, Francisco Díaz. As the two men shared a simple meal of dried tortillas and a hard-boiled egg washed down with tepid water, Francisco shared (as he had done on several occasions before) his long-held dream for the Cakchiquels to have the Scriptures in the language of his birth. Francisco shared his puzzlement over why the Scriptures they were selling were only available in Spanish. Surely, he wondered, God could speak his Word to the Cakchiquels just as He had done to Spanish-speaking people.” Townsend took the challenge, and his vision was born. A few months later, Francisco died of malaria at the age of 36. He’d been a Christian only a year and a half and Townsend’s co-worker for only a year, but without question, he was faithful to his call: he was the instrument God used to persuade Uncle Cam to switch from Spanish to Cakchiquel, from distributing an existing translation to translating a new one. The eventual result was the organization we call Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the Bible translation movement worldwide was accelerated in a God-energized way. Francisco was a faithful steward, and his contribution to building the Kingdom, though brief, was huge. Now it’s your period of stewardship, and God is on a mission...will you join him? He’s not waiting around in His office for us to find Him. He’s always moving and acting—searching—and His actions are choreographed for a purpose. That purpose is to send a love letter to each and every person that will receive it. God loved the world so much that He gave His Son, His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will have an abundant and eternal life. But what about those who can't understand the message? Who will help? Who will pray, go and tell, and give financially so that this might be possible? The translation of the Bible gives people from every language community the opportunity to hear this message of love in a language that speaks to the deepest part of their being—a language that speaks to their heart. On this website, you’ll find ways to allow God to move in your heart, speaking to you about the needs of the nearly 200 million people still waiting for one word of Scripture in their language. If you spend some time here, you'll find Him speaking to you through spirited advocates, strategic givers, supportive intercessors, and people who are serving in vital roles contributing to the Bible translation movement worldwide. People like you—families like yours—have found ways to express God's love and concern for those waiting for Scriptures. Finally, this website is about opportunity and invitation to be a part of the team, extending this great love story around the world. Remember: Wycliffe needs teachers, administrators, IT professionals, and others—as well as Bible translators. God placed us here for the sake of those not yet included in the Kingdom. Be a part of extending His invitation to people in the language that they understand best—a language that speaks to their heart. Be involved in Bible translation. Bob Creson President Wycliffe USA

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WYCLIFFE

Bob and Dallas 2013 Christmas Greeting from Wycliffe USA on Vimeo.

Thank you so much to the people that have supported our Wycliffe ministry this year. 
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Rewarding Wycliffe Weekend

We had another fun-filled weekend.  Steve was invited to speak at two different churches, one on Saturday evening and the other on Sunday morning.  Friday afternoon, we drove to Toledo, OH to visit Steve's Grandma.  Anne loved meeting her Great Grandma.   Steve's brother Randy and his father stopped by his Grandma's house to meet baby Anne too.  We stayed overnight at Steve's Grandma's apartment on Friday night.

Then Saturday, we were off to Lima, OH so Anne could meet her Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Carl, and her cousins Ariana and Heiress.  Of course, Anne loved them too and they loved her.  Saturday was a busy day with a lot of driving.  Anne did a great job tolerating being in her car seat for so long.  Saturday evening, we stopped at Great Hope Missionary Church in New Carlisle and Steve shared with them our Wycliffe ministry and how they can be a part of it.  Anne was so excited and proud of her daddy that she started cheering (ie: crying) right as he started talking so I missed a portion of his talk.  It was a pretty small church and everyone was really nice and welcoming to us.  They invited us to join them for their after church potluck too.

Saturday evening, we stayed with our friends Mike and Sarah again.  They are spectacular friends and Sunday morning Steve shared about Wycliffe at their church service.  We are so excited that God is opening up these opportunities for us to share the great work that He is doing in Bible Translation.  We are always looking for new opportunities, not just to whole churches but also to small groups too.  God has been good to us this year.  We are praying hard that He continues to provide as only He can.

Anne's First Road Trip

This weekend we took a 4 hour drive to Springfield, Ohio.  It was Anne's first road trip.  I love documenting all her "firsts."  I just love watching her figure things out and learn new things.  She slept almost the whole way to Ohio, except for when we stopped to eat and get gas.  She woke up and started to protest her being in the car seat still about 10 minutes before we got the Riley's house.  She did a pretty good job sleeping during the night, even though it was a new environment.  She is growing up so fast.  We stayed with some friends, Mike and Sarah.  Anne just loved meeting some new friends.  At first, we thought that they trip would too long for Anne, but she traveled like a champ.

I don't think we had any idea just how much stuff we would have to bring with us just for her.  The car  is full of Wycliffe stuff, her stuff, and a few things for us.  I just hope we didn't forget anything.  We will probably have to do laundry if she keeps spitting up on her "spare outfits."

Steve had the joy of speaking at the morning service at Trinity Missionary Church in Springfield, OH this morning.  Steve shared about who we are, what we will be doing with Wycliffe and did a message on 1 Timothy 1:5.  

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1 Tim 1:5 (NASB)

τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου, 1 Tim 1:5 (Greek New Testament)

Everyone at the church was really great and seemed receptive to Steve's message.  They also loved meeting baby Anne.  She did such a great job listening to her daddy speak.  We are praying that God will lead some in the church to partner with us and our ministry.  We had so much fun this morning meeting everyone.  Steve has known the pastor for many years since he was a counselor at Ludlow Falls.

Mike and Sarah have a 4 month old son.  Sweet baby Anne looks so little next to Johnny.

The Strangest Place (Short) from Wycliffe USA on Vimeo.

Why Bible Translation?

Why Wycliffe, why Bible translation?..please watch this 2 minute video. It is plain and it is clear.
Ask us how you can play a part or see below!

 

Ways to Join

 Online:http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=AF45B1

By Phone: Call Wycliffe’s Online Giving Services toll free @ 1-866-736-4387
between 8am and 5pm (EST). Mention: “For the ministry of Bridget and Steve Pitney. Account #228447”

Partner by EFT: You can download an EFT form here.
Print and fill it out, scan it and email it to EFT_Orlando@wycliffe.org.

Partner by Check: If you would like to give a tax-deductible gift,
checks can be written to Wycliffe and sent with a separate note saying,
“For the ministry of Bridget and Steve Pitney. Account #228447”

Send to:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200

Ending Bible Poverty

We recently heard of a story out of Cameroon where technology is really making a difference in Bible Translation. Not only is technology helpful by making creating backups possible and speeding up communication, but now it is being used to create audio Bible's that are available even on cell phones. This is allowing the people of Cameroon to ability to bring the Word of God into their own homes much faster. They no longer have to wait for a copy of the Bible to be printed. They can read it right on their phones. Having the Bible available via a Bible app, like YouVersion, also allows the Bible to get into "closed countries" much easier.

Will you prayerfully consider helping us complete the work that God has called us to do with a monthly gift. Together, we can make a difference for the people of Cameroon and every other language group still waiting.

http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=AF45B1

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Moise Yonta joyfully read aloud a Scripture portion on his smartphone, punctuating the phrases with vigorous gestures. This was God’s Word in his mother tongue—the Ngiemboon language of Cameroon—and he was seeing it on his phone for the first time! As he came to the end of the selection, he jumped up and delightedly shook hands with a colleague. With a huge grin, he exclaimed, “Wonderful! Wonderful!”

It was indeed wonderful!  Moise, who works with the Cameroonian Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), was the coordinator for the Ngiemboon translation project.  Since the New Testament was dedicated in 2007, he’s used both the printed and audio version, but gaining access to the digital version took his experience to a whole new level!

He says, “I was so happy that I couldn’t hide it! Immediately I applied the lesson we learnt by selecting a verse and sending it to my dear wife, and she was happy to receive it.”

Now when Moise travels, he carries the Scriptures with him on his phone. His special joy is helping others access God’s Word the same way.  He encourages them to get the written Scriptures from YouVersion and the audio version from Faith Comes By Hearing.  At the request of his pastor and church elders, he is preparing a training course for his church on how to use cell phones for evangelization, and CABTAL would like him to present the same course to other churches as well.

Moise is one of more than 650 million cell phone subscribers in Africa, where cell phone service is far more available than landlines. As I’ve traveled, I’ve often found better service in Africa than I get in my own home in Orlando, Florida. I have no doubt that God is behind the development of digital technology, and while cell phones are used worldwide for communications, financial transactions, healthcare, and much more, I believe that God also intended this technology to support the distribution of His Word.

Warmly,

Bob Creson
President/CEO
Wycliffe USA


A video of Moise enjoying his digital Scriptures is posted here .

Visiting Missionaries from Wycliffe

This has been such a fun week for Steve and I.  We hosted a family that is traveling around the country visiting all their ministry partners.  They have been on the road almost continuously for the last 6 months.  We met them in Orlando last April when we went down there for EQUIP training.  They got to our house on Tuesday afternoon and stayed until Thursday morning.

We cooked some BBQ chicken for dinner on Tuesday and took them for a treat to Cold Stone Creamery.  The kids, Jessica and Casey, enjoyed that.

Wednesday, we made homemade lasagna.  It was pretty tasty.

They are serving with Wycliffe and actually spent some years in Cameroon. They are making plans now to serve with JAARS, which is a division of Wycliffe, in North Carolina now.  It was so great to see them again.  They were very encouraging to us as we build our financial team and make plans to serve in Cameroon.  I hope they had a great time.

Wycliffe Garage Sale Success

Labor Day weekend was busy with our first part of our garage sale for our Wycliffe ministry.  This weekend, Steve had both Friday and Saturday off work so we had another one.  A special thanks to the friends and family that donated items to our sale and those that helped us work it.  Bible Translation truly does take a team and we appreciate everyone who plays a role on our team, whether it's part of our prayer or financial team or they are using their gifts in other ways.

Over the 4 days of sales, we made over $1100 for our Wycliffe ministry.  We also took the opportunity to talk to as many customers as we could about why we were having the sale and what the Wycliffe ministry is all about.  It was so much fun.

We could not have asked for better weather for the sale.  It was hot, but beautiful.  It did rain a little on Saturday both weekends, but not until later in the afternoon.

 

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Bible translation not only gives the people access to the lifesaving word of God, but it also gives them access to potential lifesaving educational materials through education and literacy development

http://wycliffepitneys.blogspot.com/

If you were unable to attend, but want to give or pledge to our Wycliffe ministry you can do that here:
http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=AF45B

Bible Translation Statistics

The worldwide status of Bible translation (2012):

6,800+	...the number of languages spoken in the world today
Under 2,000	...the number of languages without any of the Bible, but with a possible need of a Bible translation to begin
about 209 million	...the number of people who speak the less than 2,000 languages where translation projects have not yet begun
Over 1,500	...the number of translation programs where Wycliffe and its partners are currently at work
1,275	...the number of language groups that have access to the New Testament in their heart language
518	...the number of language groups that have access to the entire Bible in the language they understand best
over 7 billion	...the population of the world

Although Bible translation is progressing at a more rapid rate today than ever before, an overwhelming amount of work has yet to be done.

No Longer a Barrier

http://wycliffeusa.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/no-longer-a-barrier/

By Melissa Chesnut
It was a Friday afternoon. Many of the Krachi villagers—men and women, young and old—were gathered around a tape recorder.

To those who know the Krachi people of Ghana, this would be an unusual scene to observe. As peasant farmers, the Krachi people spend most of their days working in the fields. The days they do not go to the fields are rare: Sundays for the Christians, and special or taboo days that happen once a week. On those days, no one is allowed to work in the fields.

But on this occasion, it was neither a Sunday nor a special or taboo day. The Krachi people had left their fields for something more important—listening to God’s Word.

The tape recorder was playing the Gospel of Mark, an audio version that had recently been completed and distributed among the Krachi people. Setting aside the normal schedule of their daily lives, this group of people had gathered to listen to God’s Word in their language.

As the tape played, a familiar voice was heard. One of their own people had read and voiced the recording of Mark! This was not just some stranger speaking their language for the recording—it was one of them!
Moses Danso was one of the elderly men listening to Mark that afternoon. His life—along with many others—was touched through the use of tape recorders to communicate Scripture.

“I have never been to formal school,” he said. “But I can listen to the Word of God in my own language. Illiteracy can no longer be a barrier to my salvation.”

For those who are unable to read or write their language, these audio recordings are perfect. But many Krachi people are now getting the opportunity to learn how to read and write their own language as well.
Before, the Krachi alphabet had not been developed, so there was no written document for the language. Then, a team from SIL International, Wycliffe’s primary strategic partner, helped develop the Krachi alphabet. The team is now providing literacy programs for the Krachi people while they work on the Krachi New Testament translation and additional audio Scripture recordings. So far, they’ve drafted 90 percent of the New Testament, which will soon be checked by translation consultants!

Bible Translation at a Glance

by dhoernsch.
Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.

Why Wycliffe?

Wycliffe Bible Translators started about 70 years ago by a man named William Cameron Townsend who had an incredible passion for everyone to be able to read and understand the Bible.  Wycliffe and its partner organizations believe that every person should access to the scripture in their heart language.  In 1999, Wycliffe started a commitment called Vision 2025.  Vision 2025 is Wycliffe's commitment to have a translation project started in every language that needs one by the year 2025.  This is really exciting for us because we could actually see this done in our lifetime.

Throughout America, many households have several copies of the Bible in different translations that may or may not ever leave the shelf.  Many are collecting dust because in America it’s easy to take for granted to what we have such an abundance of, but for millions around the world there is not one word of scripture written down in the language they fully understand; the language that speaks to their heart.  For the lucky ones that are lucky enough to have access to a Bible, it’s often in someone else’s language.

Traditionally, couples would enter a village alone or in a small group, start to learn the language of the people, create an alphabet, and then start the translation.  Using traditional strategies, it would take more than 150 years to provide every Bibleless people group with God's word.  It doesn't have to be that way though.  If God's people work together, a translation for every group that needs it can be started by the year 2025.  Wycliffe's goal will be realized.

Literacy is also an important part of Wycliffe’s mission.  If translators go into a village and translate the scripture, but no one can read it, then the work was in vain.  Wycliffe has teachers, literacy specialists, and musicians that work hard to teach the villagers how to read and write.  This not only gives the people access to the lifesaving word of God, but it also gives them access to potential lifesaving educational materials.

Every job within Wycliffe is needed and important.  Whether you are working as a translator, a literacy specialist, a teacher, in a support role, or if you are at home serving as a financial or prayer partner, everyone is important.  Together we can make a difference. 

As we enter this opportunity with Wycliffe, we realize that we can't do it alone.  We need a team of partners that are willing to come with us.  We need people to commit to pray for us.  Prayer is most important part of our team because we believe that God answers the prayer of His people.  The power of prayer is our greatest strength.  We also need committed financial partners.  These are special people, churches, and organizations that our willing to let God us them and their finances to bring God's word to the people that so desperately desire it.  We need people like you that believe in us and believe in this ministry to help us complete this mission.  All Wycliffe members have to raise their own support before going to the field, so without you our work cannot begin. 

Only two things on Earth will last for eternity - God's word and God's people.  Let's use our lives to make a difference for eternity.  Please pray and consider how you can help us finish this important work.

Steve's Trip to Ludlow Falls

 

Steve is home from his trip to Ohio.  He had a great time.  Thank you to everyone that was praying for divine appointments and for safe travel.  He was able to find a place to stay at the last minute in a lodge at the Ludlow Falls Camp.

He drove over to Ohio on Saturday after work to attend his High School class reunion.  He was able to reconnect with some old classmates and even share our ministry and what we will be doing with some of them.  Sunday, he spent the day at Ludlow Falls Camp.  This weekend just happened to line up with the beginning of the district's Missionary Church camp at Ludlow Falls.  Steve spent Sunday through today at the camp with the pastors there and others staying at the camp.  With prayer meetings in the morning and speakers throughout the day, he spent some great time with God.  He also tried to find as many opportunities as he could to share our ministry and the exciting work that Wycliffe is doing.  He met a few people at the camp that are currently working with Wycliffe in different capacities, so he able to get some encouragement from some.

The purpose of the trip was to share our ministry and invite new friends to partner with us, but it was a refreshing trip for Steve as well.  He got to spend some good time with God in the beauty of God's creation when he took walks around the camp.

I wish I could have gone with him, but unfortunately I was unable to get the time off of work. I stayed home and tried to get some housecleaning done to get ready for company visiting tomorrow.

How Bible Translation Changes Lives

Translators Ed and Debi Condra were repeatedly saddened as they watched Kudal grow up. They were translating the New Testament into the Papatar language in his village.  Kudal grew increasingly violent and foul mouthed through his teen years.

In March of 1998, the New Testament was completed and dedicated and the Condras weren't able to remain in the village. But after several months, Ed was able to return for a short visit.  Travel conditions and weight limits on the small aircraft severely restricted Ed's luggage preventing him from bringing even his copy of the translated New Testament.

When Ed arrived in the village, the young man Kudal was one of the first people he ran into.  Ed remembered Kudal's sister buying a New Testament and asked Kudal if it were possible to borrow it.  Ed was surprised when Kudal reached into his shoulder bag and pulled out a copy of the New Testament. 

Further surprised, Ed noticed specifically that it was worn and underlined, a well used Bible.  He received chills as he began to understand.  It was evidence of the Holy Spirit working in the young man's life, transforming him.

Bible translation is about more than just giving people a Bible in a language they can read with their heart.

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Wycliffe Bible Translators started about 70 years ago by a man named William Cameron Townsend who had an incredible passion for everyone to be able to read and understand the Bible. Here in the US, it is a simple task to pick up a Bible and read from it.  Many people around the globe pick up a Bible, if they can get their hands on one, and when they try to read it they do not understand the words on the page.  Wycliffe formed around the vision to see God’s word accessible to people in the language of their heart. 350 Million people are still waiting for this to happen.

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Bibleless People Prayer Project

http://www.wycliffe.org/Pray/BiblelessPeoplesPrayerProject.aspx

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16 NLT

What if you could pray for a people group still waiting for God’s Word—and follow the progress of translation for their language? As a part of the Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project (BPPP), thousands of people are already committing to pray all the way through the end of the translation process.

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Befang of Cameroon

This language is also called Beba-Befang, Biba-Bifang, Bifang, and Menchum. It belongs to the Niger-Congo/Atlantic-Congo language family. Speakers are located around Befang, straddling Tuba Subdivision in Mezam Division and Wum Subdivision in Menchum Division of North West Province. Modele, Ushaku, Befang, Bangui, Obang, and Okomanjang are dialects of Befang. Pray that speakers of this language will be inspired to translate the Scriptures for their people. “Forever, O LORD, your word stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created” (Psalm 119:89-90, NLT).

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Pray for the message

* Pray that the last languages of the world would receive the Scriptures in whatever form they need it. Dare to ask God for big things! Ask Him to provide a person in the world with His world - just as He has already provided it for us - written and in the heart language.

 Pray for the people

* Pray for the safety of the Bibleless people. Many are residents in, or displaced from, countries with poor political and social conditions.

Pray for the completion of the Task to the Glory of God

* Pray for perseverance. Pray that those involved in the translation task would not grow weary or give up before the work is complete.